Post by icemandios on Nov 29, 2023 13:43:59 GMT
Cocrystal Pharma Highlights its Novel Inhaled and Oral Influenza A Antiviral CC-42344 at the World Vaccine Congress West Coast
BOTHELL, Wash., Nov. 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: COCP) (“Cocrystal” or the “Company”), announces the presentation of favorable data demonstrating activity of its potent broad-spectrum PB2 inhibitor CC-42344 against pandemic and seasonal influenza A strains at the World Vaccine Congress West Coast . Cocrystal has initiated a Phase 2a human challenge trial with oral CC-42344 in the UK in subjects infected with influenza A, and plans to begin a Phase 1 trial with inhaled CC-42344 as a potential influenza A treatment and prophylaxis in Australia in the first half of 2024.
“We are excited to accomplish another important milestone with the influenza antiviral CC-42344. Based on our recent preclinical data, CC-42344 exhibits superior lung exposure, a favorable safety profile, and efficacy in influenza-infected human lung epithelia. We also demonstrated highly efficient delivery of inhaled CC-42344 into the lung,” he said. “Inhaled CC-42344 could be developed for both therapeutic and prophylactic influenza treatment. We are encouraged by this potential breakthrough influenza treatment option.”
Slides from the presentation are available on the Company’s website .
About CC-42344
CC-42344 is specifically designed to be effective against all significant pandemic and seasonal influenza A strains and to have a high barrier to resistance due to the way the virus’ replication machinery is targeted. CC-42344 targets the influenza polymerase, an essential replication enzyme with several highly essential regions common to multiple influenza strains. In vitro testing showed CC-42344’s excellent antiviral activity against influenza A strains, including pandemic and seasonal strains, as well as against strains resistant to certain approved influenza antivirals, while also demonstrating favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles.
About Seasonal Influenza
Each year there are approximately 1 billion cases of seasonal influenza worldwide, 3-5 million severe illnesses and up to 650,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization. On average about 8% of the U.S. population contracts influenza each season . Influenza is responsible for approximately $10.4 billion in direct costs for hospitalizations and outpatient visits for adults in the U.S. annually .
About Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.
Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics that target the replication process of influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2) noroviruses and hepatitis C viruses. Cocrystal employs unique structure-based technologies and Nobel Prize-winning expertise to create first- and best-in-class antiviral drugs. For further information about Cocrystal, please visit www.cocrystalpharma.com .